A NEW college to support adults struggling with mental health problems has opened in Slough.

Slough Community Mental Health team has launched the Hope Recovery College to held people understand mental health and deal with recovery.

The college mirrors that of an educational college and includes a mixture of activity courses and workshops.

Around 200 people attended the launch of the service on Tuesday at The Falcon Sports Centre, at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sports Centre, in Stoke Poges Lane.

Visitors were able to experience taster sessions of what the college will offer and learn about the service.

Other healthcare services were on hand to give advice on stopping smoking, healthy eating and more.

Vicky Naidoo, recovery team clinical lead, said: “”It was important to promote the college, but the event was also to destigmatise.

“There’s still a huge amount of stigma around mental health problems and these events are about showing it’s okay to talk about it.

“The message of the college is about hope, control and opportunity and it’s really about empowering people to find ways of looking after their own mental health.”

The first term of the Hope College begins in September.

Geoff Dennis, head of adult mental health services, said: “I feel so proud of the launch of Hope College, it was everything and more than I expected. The initiative really captured the philosophy and heart of Slough Recovery services. The road is made for walking and is walked by everyone, which was proven by the diversity and inclusivity of the day.”